New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to India to participate in a proposed ‘Board of Peace’ initiative aimed at addressing global conflicts, starting with the current Gaza crisis. Reports indicate that Pakistan has also been invited, which has elicited strong reactions from Indian Opposition leaders who expressed concerns about joining such an initiative if it includes Pakistan.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Tika Ram Jully, criticized the government's foreign policy and questioned the effectiveness of the Ministry of External Affairs.

In a conversation with IANS, Jully stated, “Is our Ministry of External Affairs even visible? Where is our foreign policy? Consider our current situation. Those who proclaimed our intention to become a ‘Vishwaguru’ — following Operation Sindoor, three nations sided with Pakistan, while not a single nation supported us.”

He further expressed his dismay regarding the perceived continuous disrespect shown to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the United States.

“Modi is the Prime Minister of the nation where Mahatma Gandhi was born, and everyone is aware of him. The way the US disrespects the Prime Minister and tarnishes his dignity is disheartening. Despite being from the BJP, he represents India. The US continues to make disparaging remarks, yet no BJP leader dares to speak against it. Trump has claimed over 60 times that he halted something and has also imposed tariffs multiple times,” Jully informed IANS.

Abbas Haider, spokesperson for the Samajwadi Party, also raised important questions regarding India's involvement in a peace committee that includes Pakistan.

“The primary concern is whether India should engage in a peace committee that includes Pakistan. There is a history of conflict between our nations, and Islamabad has launched several attacks against us. Given this context, if Pakistan is involved, it warrants serious contemplation,” he stated. Haider added that India should align with justice and support Gaza and Palestine.

Pratul Shah Deo, a spokesperson for the BJP, affirmed that India has consistently advocated for peace in Gaza.

“India desires peace in Gaza. The Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs have previously initiated several efforts, including statements advocating for dialogue. I prefer not to comment directly on President Trump’s invitation. However, inviting Pakistan feels akin to inviting the ‘Devil’. While I believe Pakistan should not be invited, India undeniably seeks peace in the Gaza Strip,” he remarked.

US President Trump has sent a letter to Prime Minister Modi, which was subsequently shared on social media by Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador to India.

The President expressed his honor in inviting the Prime Minister to join him in a “critically historic and magnificent effort to solidify peace” in the Middle East, alongside a “bold new approach to resolving global conflicts.”

It remains uncertain whether India will accept the invitation, as the government led by Prime Minister Modi has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.

This invitation to India coincides with strained relations between New Delhi and Washington due to the inability to finalize a trade agreement that would lower tariffs on Indian exports to the US, which currently face a 50% levy — among the most substantial in the world.